When you’re waiting for your baby to arrive, the days can seem like they are going by slower than ever. I mean, nine months is a long wait! Especially when you’re already in your head imagining how perfect their little nose will look and their feet and oh their little toes. Perhaps you’re deciding what kind of clothes you’ll dress them in and maybe even how you’re going to do up their nursery – which is when the question hits you! Blue or pink? Or maybe yellow?
Ultimate Guide to Baby Gender and Old Wives Tales
If you can’t wait for your 20-week scan or if you have decided you only want to know your baby’s gender on the big day (but still secretly long to know all of the answers right this instant) – these highly unscientific theories might help by giving you something to keep busy with while you wait!
Please note – these methods ARE NOT scientifically proven and should not be relied on to accurately predict the gender of an unborn child. They are however a bit of fun and we hope you enjoy them!
Head Shape
Some say you can predict the gender of your baby as early as 12 weeks into your pregnancy using this method, so it’s worth a try! Look at your 12-week ultrasound scan and check if your baby has a square-shaped head or one that’s more round. The theory goes that if their head looks more angular, it’s a boy; if it looks more rotund, it’s a girl.
Wedding Ring Over the Belly Test
This one doesn’t even try to be scientific (not even pseudo), making it double the amount of fun to try. Thread your wedding ring through a lock of your hair and dangle it in front of your belly. Make sure it’s steady before you start. If the ring starts swaying side to side, it means it’s a boy, but if it starts moving in circles, you’re having a girl. Short-haired ladies – don’t fret; keep reading!
Cravings
Yes, food cravings being guaranteed during pregnancy is a myth, and indeed, some women don’t get them at all, but if you’re one of those who do get them – stop for a second to think about what types of food you crave most often! Are they more salty and savoury, or more sweet? People say it’s a boy if you’re reaching for the salted crisps and a girl if you’re devouring ice cream by the tub.
Heart Rate
Nothing beats the magic of hearing your baby’s heartbeat as you’re lying on the examination table at your prenatal appointment. Whether it’s the first or the millionth time, there’s no getting over the whooshy pattering of your baby’s heart inside of you. However, pay attention to your baby’s heart rate at your next appointment. According to some people, it might be what can tell you your baby’s gender! Baby boys are thought to have lower heart rates than baby girls. So, if your baby’s heart rate is 140 BPM or less, it could be a boy, and if it’s higher – a girl!
Your Hands
If the lotion bottles in your house seem always to be empty of late, you might be moisturising more than usual. It’s normal to get a little chapped during your pregnancy due to all the hormone changes occurring inside your body, but if your hands require your attention the most, it could mean you’re having a boy. If you’re one of the lucky ones with smooth, soft hands, it means it’s a girl.
The Line
The dark line down the middle of your belly is called the linea nigra, and it might have become darker and more pronounced during your pregnancy. It usually shows up around the five-month mark and gradually fades away in the months following the birth. Some believe the secret to predicting your baby’s gender is in this line! If your linea nigra reaches up towards your ribs, it’s thought you will have a little boy, and if it stops somewhere lower down on your bump, it’s likely a girl.
Belly Shape
You have probably heard this old wives’ tale too many times to count, but its popularity alone earns it a spot on this list. While your baby is inside, oblivious, and snug as a bug, some unreliable sources say that how you carry them might be able to predict their sex. It’s thought if you carry your baby high, you’re having a girl, and if you carry your baby low, it’s a boy.
Chinese Gender Predictor Chart
The Chinese Gender Predictor Chart or Chinese Birth Chart is a predictor tool that can supposedly tell a baby’s gender by considering the mother’s age and the month of conception. It is said that it was initially created by a “scientist” in Beijing 700 years ago, but like with most old wives’ tales, there’s no evidence for it. Nevertheless, there’s no harm in whiling away some time dreaming about your soon-to-come baby, is there?
With this tool becoming more and more popular in the West, there are many online versions you can look up. Just be warned there are loads of variants, and each will probably give you different answers. That’s no worry, though, since it’s all in good fun, and they’ll be just as wonderful no matter what gender they turn out to be.
https://www.thebump.com/a/chinese-gender-predictor-history-accuracy
https://www.huggies.com.au/pregnancy/early-stages/gender-prediction/chinese-birth-chart
Ask Your Other Little One
According to an unverified Chinese theory, a three-year-old might hold the answers you seek. If you don’t have your little one to ask, ask the next one you see because this theory is just plain cute more than anything!
If you need extra assistance planning a baby shower check out our Best Modern Baby Shower Games, Best Brisbane Parks for Baby Showers and 15 Memorable Baby Shower Favours.
Join the conversation